QuoteApple Inc. is planning to release a version of its smartwatch later this year that can connect directly to cellular networks, a move designed to reduce the device’s reliance on the iPhone, people familiar with the matter said. ...Intel Corp. will supply the LTE modems for the new Watch, according to another person familiar with the situation.

We got a Project Fi phone to go to Europe and my wife likes the phone enough that she wants to change to that phone and service. We'll port her over when her PagePlus yearly account expires in a couple of months. Project Fi offers free sims that use the data from the cell account. So, we'll likely be able to use the new watch without having a separate account and cost.